The luxury cruise ship Seven Seas Navigator arrived at the Port of Banjul on Thursday carrying 544 tourists, as The Gambia continues efforts to strengthen its position as an emerging cruise tourism destination in West Africa.

The vessel’s arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony featuring cultural entertainment, with passengers expected to visit a number of tourist attractions and places of interest across the country.

Officials from the Gambia Tourism Board, tour operators and shipping agents were present to receive the visitors upon arrival.

Speaking during the event, Ebrima AK Sanyang, Senior Officer for Research and Development at the Gambia Tourism Board, said the arrival of the Seven Seas Navigator forms part of ongoing efforts to expand cruise tourism and diversify visitor arrivals.

“We are here to welcome 544 tourists arriving on the Seven Seas Navigator. After the welcome ceremony, tour operators will take them to different places of interest across the country,” he said.

Mr Sanyang explained that the government and tourism authorities are pursuing a strategy aimed at increasing the number of cruise vessels calling at Banjul.

He said the initiative gained momentum after tourism officials engaged cruise operators in Dakar and intensified promotional activities in Miami, a major global cruise hub.

According to him, cruise tourism is becoming an increasingly important component of The Gambia’s tourism development plans.

The Gambia Tourism Board expects around 6,656 cruise passengers to arrive in the country this year aboard 14 vessels.

Mr Sanyang revealed that more than 4,100 cruise passengers have already visited The Gambia in 2026, with additional vessels expected to arrive between September and December.

He added that cruise ship arrivals create economic opportunities for tour operators, transport providers, hotels, restaurants, craft markets and other tourism-related businesses.

Tourism authorities said they are working to ensure that Banjul becomes a regular stop for international cruise liners as part of broader efforts to promote year-round tourism and boost economic activity.

By Adama Makasuba